Formula supplementation in hospital and subsequent feeding at discharge among women who intended to exclusively breastfeed: An administrative data retrospective cohort study

Neonatal factors associated with early weaning in a municipality in Bahia, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze neonatal factors associated with early weaning.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study conducted between March and September 2023 with 180 women six months to two years postpartum, from a municipality in Bahia, Brazil. For bivariate analysis, Pearson's chi-square tests were used, considering p < 0.05. The adjusted analysis included variables with p < 0.20, keeping those with p < 0.05, using stepwise multiple logistic regression, with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The provision of pacifiers/bottles (OR: 18.96; 95% CI: 7.68-46.79; p < 0.001) and supplements in the maternity ward (OR: 4.44; 95% CI: 1.76-11.17; p: 0.002) were associated with greater likelihood of early weaning.

CONCLUSION

Habits and beliefs, such as the use of bottles and pacifiers, and the introduction of infant formulas within the maternity ward with continued supplementation after hospital discharge were the neonatal factors associated with early weaning in this context.

Why do mothers mix milk feed their infants? Results from a systematic review

CONTEXT

Combining or supplementing breastfeeding with formula feeding, also called mixed milk feeding (MMF), is a common infant feeding practice. However, there is no well-established MMF evidence-base for informing and guiding parents. A better understanding of the reasons why mothers practice MMF may facilitate identification of efficient strategies for supporting exclusive breastfeeding, and/or opportunities to prolong breastfeeding, at least partially.

OBJECTIVE

An updated systematic literature review was undertaken with the primary aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the reasons why mothers choose MMF.

DATA SOURCES

Six databases were searched for relevant articles published in English from January 2012 to January 2022.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently performed the screenings and data extraction, and any differences were resolved by a third reviewer. Data from 138 articles were included, 90 of which contained data on MMF reasons/drivers, and 60 contained data on infant age and/or maternal demographic factors associated with MMF.

DATA ANALYSIS

A total of 13 different unique MMF drivers/reasons were identified and categorized according to whether the drivers/reasons related to perceived choice, necessity, or pressure. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool of Diverse Studies and the JBI Systematic Reviews tool. Several different terms were used to describe and classify MMF across the studies. The most commonly reported reasons for MMF were related to a perception of necessity (39% of drivers, eg, concerns about infant's hunger/perceived breast milk insufficiency or breastfeeding difficulties), followed by drivers associated with perceived choice (34%; eg, having more flexibility) and perceived pressure (25%; eg, returning to work or healthcare professionals' advice). This was particularly true for infants aged 3 months or younger.

CONCLUSION

The key global drivers for MMF and their distribution across infant age and regions were identified and described, providing opportunities for the provision of optimal breastfeeding support. A unified definition of MMF is needed in order to enable more comparable and standardized research.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022304253.

Early and Higher Volumes of Formula Supplementation after Birth Impact Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge in Well-Baby Nursery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

 Physiologic breast milk production in the first 24 hours is estimated to be between 2 and 10 mL per feed. Many mothers intending to breastfeed use formula supplementation (FS) early on, which can affect successful breastfeeding. Whether the volume and timing of FS introduced in the first 24 hours of life (24 HOL) impacts the rate of "breastfeeding at discharge" (BFAD) is not well-studied and was investigated herein.

STUDY DESIGN

 Single-center, retrospective, chart review of breastfeeding infants born at ≥35 weeks who received supplementation in the first 24 HOL. Comprehensive demographic data pertaining to maternal and infant characteristics, along with infant feeding data, were collected. Four supplementation characteristics, (timing, rate, volume [mL/kg per feed], and type [expressed breast milk (EBM) or formula]) were correlated with BFAD.

RESULTS

 Among 3,102 supplemented infants in whom mothers intended to breastfeed, 1,031 (33.2%) infants were BFAD. At baseline, African American, Medicaid-insured, and single mothers had lower odds of BFAD. The overall maximum volume of FS per feed was 11.0 mL/kg (interquartile range 8.0-14.4). With each hour of delay in first supplementation, the odds of BFAD increased by 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.022, 0.035). With every 1 mL/kg increase in the first formula volume, subsequent supplementation frequency increased by 4.5%. A positive association was observed between BFAD and a lower rate of supplementation (cutoff value ≤35.1%). However, among infants with these lower rates of supplementation, each unit increase in maximum FS, from 2 to 15 mL/kg, decreased the probability of BFAD by 4.2% (3.6-4.7%). Additionally, we observed that infants who were given at least one EBM supplementation (n = 223; 7.2%) had substantially increased rates of BFAD (odds ratio [OR] = 9.8, 95% CI 7.2-13.3).

CONCLUSION

 Early and higher volumes of FS negatively impacted BFAD. Birthweight-based FS of feeding with physiological volumes may increase breastfeeding rates at discharge.

KEY POINTS

· Higher volumes of first supplementation increases subsequent supplementation frequency.. · For each unit increase in maximum supplementation, BFAD probability decreases by 4.2%.. · Even one EBM supplementation increases rates of BFAD..

Non-medical formula use in newborn infants still common at two Swedish hospitals after a breastfeeding support program

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of a breastfeeding support programme on reducing infant formula use and to investigate indications for formula in newborn infants in Sweden.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study design was carried out. It included 255 mother-infant pairs in a control group, who received standard care and 254 pairs in an intervention group, who took part in a breastfeeding support programme. Data were collected by reviewing patient records from two regional hospitals in Uppsala and Gotland and recruitment took place between 2017 and 2019.

RESULTS

Median age of mothers were 31 years (range 20-49) and median gestational age of infants were 39 + 6 weeks/days (range 37 + 0 to 42 + 4). The intervention did not reduce infant formula use. In total, 87/507 (17%) of the infants received formula. Among children receiving formula 30/87 (34%) had a medical indication, whereas 57/87 (66%) had no medical indication. Main reasons for medically indicated formula use were hypoglycaemia, 13/30 (43%), and weight loss, 13/30 (43%). Main reasons for non-medical use were mothers'/parents' wishes, 25/57 (44%) and infants' dissatisfaction, 11/57 (19%).

CONCLUSION

Continued efforts are needed to develop effective breastfeeding interventions with increased focus on infant formula reduction.

Impact of feeding volumes in the first 24 h of life on neonatal feeding intolerance

Objective

This study investigates whether volumes of intake in the first 24 h of life (24 HOL), in relation to birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA), impact neonatal feeding intolerance (FI).

Methods

This study employed a retrospective chart review of 6,650 infants born at ≥35 weeks. The volumes of each formula feed per kg BW in the first 24 HOL were assessed. FI was defined as evidenced by chart documentation of emesis, abdominal distension, abdominal x-ray, and/or switching to a sensitive formula.

Results

Overall, the maximum volume of formula intake per feed was inversely correlated with GA and was higher in infants with FI (β = -1.39, p < 0.001) compared with infants without FI (β = -1.28, p < 0.001). The odds of emesis in late preterm infants with first feeding of >8 ml/kg [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-4.6] and formula switching in the exclusively formula-fed group with volumes >10.5 ml/kg [AOR =  2.2, 95% CI (1.8-2.6)] were high. In the breastfeeding group, the odds of FI increased by 2.8-, 4.6-, and 5.2-fold with 5-10, 10-15, and >15 ml/kg of supplementations, respectively.

Conclusion

A higher volume of intake in relation to BW often exceeds the physiological stomach capacity of newborns and is associated with early FI. Optimizing early feeding volumes based on infant BW and GA may decrease FI, which may be an issue of volume intolerance.

Development and Interrater Reliability of the Lactation Assessment Care Tool

BACKGROUND

There have been no comprehensive predictive measurement instruments published that account for the dynamic interaction between maternal, infant, and functional factors related to breastfeeding difficulty. The Lactation Care Assessment Tool (LACT) was developed by the authors as a predictive measure of lactation acuity to identify families at risk for breastfeeding difficulty and facilitate access to the most effective level of care.

RESEARCH AIM

To describe the development, content validation, and interrater reliability of the LACT.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional, online survey. Upon reading a standardized case scenario reflective of common experiences among families with goals to breastfeed, participants (N = 82) anonymously completed the LACT, which consisted of 16 measures based upon research relevant to maternal, infant, and functional factors affecting breastfeeding success. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and describe the characteristics of the study sample. Interrater reliability was evaluated using Krippendorff's alpha.

RESULTS

An acceptable degree of interrater reliability (α = 0.70) among participants was detected for the 16 measures included in the instrument.

CONCLUSION

This instrument supports Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Step 10 to facilitate more precise and timely continuity of care after discharge from the hospital by identifying families in need of referral to a level of care consistent with their lactation acuity. Future research is necessary to determine appropriate levels of care and support based on the instrument scores in diverse breastfeeding dyads during early lactation and through the duration of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding outcomes in late preterm infants: A multi-centre prospective cohort study

Objectives

To describe (1) infant feeding practices during initial hospitalisation and up to 6 months corrected age (CA) in infants born late preterm with mothers intending to breastfeed, (2) the impact of early feeding practices on hospital length of stay and (3) maternal and infant factors associated with duration of breastfeeding.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of infants born at 34⁺⁰ to 36⁺⁶ weeks gestational age during 2018–2020. Families were followed up until the infant reached 6 months of age (corrected for prematurity). Feeding practices during the birth hospitalisation, length of initial hospital stay, and the prevalence of exclusive or any breastfeeding at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months CA were examined. Associations between maternal and infant characteristics and breastfeeding at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months CA were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

270 infants were enrolled, of these, 30% were multiple births. Overall, 78% of infants received only breastmilk as their first feed, and 83% received formula during the hospitalisation. Seventy-four per cent of infants were exclusively breastfed at discharge, 41% at 6 weeks CA, 35% at 3 months CA, and 29% at 6 months CA. The corresponding combined exclusive and partial breastfeeding rates (any breastfeeding) were 72%, 64%, and 53% of babies at 6 weeks CA, 3 months CA, and 6 months CA, respectively. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 2.9 days longer (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31, 5.43 days) in infants who received any formula compared with those receiving only breastmilk (adjusted for GA, maternal age, multiple birth, site, and neonatal intensive care unit admission). In multivariable models, receipt of formula as the first milk feed was associated with a reduction in exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks CA (odds ratio = 0.22; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.53) and intention to breastfeed >6 months with an increase (odds ratio = 4.98; 95% CI 2.39 to 10.40). Intention to breastfeed >6 months remained an important predictor of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months CA.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that long-term exclusive breastfeeding rates were low in a cohort of women intending to provide breastmilk to their late preterm infants, with approximately half providing any breastmilk at 6 months CA. Formula as the first milk feed and intention to breastfeed >6 months were significant predictors of breastfeeding duration. Improving breastfeeding outcomes may require strategies to support early lactation and a better understanding of the ongoing support needs of this population.

Feeding practices and early weaning in the neonatal period: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To describe feeding practices and the risk factors for the mixed breastfeeding and early weaning in the neonatal period.

METHODS

Cohort study, which we collected socioeconomic, demographic, health care and feeding data from 415 mother/child binomials born in four public maternity hospitals in Natal/Brazil. They were followed-up at 48 hours, 7 and 28 days after birth. The association was established using Pearson's Chi-square test and Poisson's regression, after adjusting it to other variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of mixed breastfeeding in the first 2 days was 47,2% and early weaning in 7 and 28 days was 8,4% and 16,2% in that order. The main reasons for mixed breastfeeding and early weaning were: colostrum deficiency (33.8%), difficulty in latching/sucking (23.5%) and "little milk" (70.0%). The use of formula/milk/porridge remained associated with maternal age ≤ 20 years (RR = 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47-0.86), age 20-29 years (RR = 0,70; 95%CI: 0,57-0,87), primiparity (RR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.11-1.60) and cesarean delivery (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.00-1.45) at 2 days; absence of paternal support (RR = 4.98; 95%CI: 2.54-9.79) and pacifier use (RR = 3.21; 95%CI: 1.63-6.32) at 7 days; and only pacifier use (RR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.53-4.02) at 28 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Early weaning was associated with maternal and health care factors, thus suggesting the need to readjust good practices and educational actions to achieve the exclusive offer to the maternal breast in the neonatal period.

Breastfeeding patterns and effects of minimal supplementation on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration in term infants: A prospective sub-study of a randomised controlled trial

AIM

Despite international recommendations, less than one-third of Australian women exclusively breastfeed for 6 months. The aims of this study were to prospectively determine rates and factors associated with the type and duration of breastfeeding in the first year and examine the effect of minimal supplementation.

METHODS

We conducted a sub-study of a randomised controlled trial in Sydney, Australia, which included 635 women with uncomplicated term births who intended to breastfeed. Data were collected daily for 56 days, and then at 2, 6 and 12 months post-partum.

RESULTS

Breastfeeding outcomes were evaluated for 553 (87%), 480 (76%) and 392 (62%) women at 2, 6 and 12 months. Exclusive breastfeeding was 81% at 2 months and 8% at 6 months. Partial breastfeeding was 75% at 6 months and 54% at 12 months. Factors associated with breastfeeding cessation included caesarean birth, low milk supply, problems latching, increased time to breastfeed, use of formula >7 days in the first 2 months, return to work and early introduction of solids. Breast pain in the first week was associated with a 10% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding. Cracked nipples and no previous breastfeeding experience were associated with supplementation of ≤7 days but had no effect on long-term breastfeeding duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Exclusive breastfeeding declined significantly between 2 and 6 months post-partum. Early intervention and education to prolong breastfeeding duration should include strategies to manage breast pain and nipple damage to minimise prolonged supplementation. Consistent guidelines about introduction of complementary foods, improved maternity leave and workplace incentives could be effective in prolonging breastfeeding.

Prevalence on the complement in offering food to newborns

Abstract Objectives: to identify the prevalence and determining factors of the complements in offering food to newborns. Methods: across-sectional study nested to a cohort study that assessed newborn care in four public maternity hospitals in Natal/Brazil. Sample was composed by 415 mothers and full-term newborns, with appropriate weight for gestational age and Apgar scores in 1st and 5th minutes ≥ 7. In order to analyze the determining factors, we used Poisson’s regression. Results: from 415 newborns, 51.3% received feeding complements (57.6% in the first hour of life), of which 92% was infant formula. Only 50.7% of those complement in offering food were prescribed by physicians. Colostrum deficiency was the main reason to be indicated (33.8%). Maternal age ≤ 20 years old (PR=0.64; CI95%=0.47-0.86) and between 2030 years old (PR=0.70; CI95%=0.57-0.87)comparing to women older than 30 were shown as protective factors, while being primiparous (PR=1.37; CI95%=1.11-1.60) and had cesarean section (PR=1.2; CI95%=1.00-1.45) as risk factors. Conclusion: maternal characteristics are associated with the complement in offering food to the newborn in the first hours of life. The high prevalence shows the need for interventions that minimize the inadequate offer of infant formula and promote exclusive breastfeeding before hospital discharge.

Breastfeeding patterns and factors associated with early weaning in the Western Amazon

OBJECTIVE

To characterize breastfeeding patterns in the first six months of life and factors associated with early weaning in a birth-cohort in Rio Branco, state of Acre.

METHODS

This is a prospective study with all babies born between April and June 2015. The mothers were interviewed soon after birth and between 6 and 15 months postpartum. At hospital discharge, breastfeeding was defined as exclusively (EBF), and breastfeeding (BF). In the follow-up, breastfeeding patterns were exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), predominant breastfeeding (PBF), and breastfeeding (BF). The interruption of breastfeeding in the first six months was classified as early weaning. The Kaplan Meier method (log-rank: 95%) was used to estimate the conditional probability of change in breastfeeding pattern, and early weaning risk. Crude and adjusted proportional Cox regression models, and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), were used to analyze the factors associated with early weaning.

RESULTS

The study included 833 infants in EBF (95.4%) and BF (4.6%) at hospital discharge. During the first six months of life, the infant likely discharged in EBF remaining in EBF, becoming PBF, and BF, were respectively 16.4%, 32.3%, and 56.5%. The weaning likely at six months was statistically higher for infants discharged in BF (47.4%) when compared with those discharged in EBF (26%). Factors associated with early weaning were BF at hospital discharge (HR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.06-3.11), no mother cross-breastfeeding (HR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.59-3.94), pacifier use (HR = 6.23; 95%CI 4.52-8.60), less than six months of breastfeeding intention (HR = 1.93; 95%CI 1.25-2.98), lack of breastfeeding in the first hour of life (HR = 1.45; 95%CI 1.10-1.92), and pregnancy alcohol consumption (HR = 1.88; 95%CI 1.34-2.90).

CONCLUSION

Compared to infants in EBF, those in BF at hospital discharge were more likely to wean. Public health efforts should prioritize EBF at hospital discharge, promote breastfeeding in the first hour of life, and prevent alcohol consumption risks during pregnancy, cross-breastfeeding and pacifier use.

Perceived insufficient milk among primiparous, fully breastfeeding women: Is infant crying important?

Breastfeeding mothers often report perceived insufficient milk (PIM) believing their infant is crying too much, which leads to introducing formula and the early abandonment of breastfeeding. We sought to determine if infant crying was associated with reported PIM (yes/no) and number of problems associated with lactation (lactation problem score [LPS] 6-point Likert scale) before formula introduction. Primiparous breastfeeding mothers were recruited at birth and visited at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. Among those fully breastfeeding at 1 week (N = 230), infant crying variables based on maternal reports were not associated with PIM at 1 week, but LPS was. However, a mother's expectation that her infant would cry more than other infants was associated with increased odds of reporting PIM at 2 and 4 weeks, as were delayed onset of lactation and previous LPS. At 1 week, crying variables (frequency, difficulty in soothing) were associated with LPS along with percent weight change. Delayed onset of lactation, infant care style, number of breastfeeds and previous LPS were longitudinally associated with change in LPS from 1 to 2 weeks and 2 to 4 weeks. Our data suggest that reported infant crying is associated with PIM and LPS in the first 4 weeks of life. Guidance on what to expect in crying behaviour and the impact of infant care style may be beneficial in reducing PIM and LPS in the first month.

Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Infant Feeding Practices at Hospital Discharge: Findings from the Born in Queensland Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to explore association between maternal depressive symptoms and infant feeding practice at hospital discharge.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a birth cohort study based in Australia that linked to health administrative records. Maternal demographic data, mental health status derived from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), feeding practices of livebirths of at least 400 g or gestation periods of at least 20 weeks recorded during July-December 2015 were included (n = 14,658). Logistic regression models were performed to test association between presence of depressive symptoms and exclusive breast or formula feeding within 24 h prior to hospital discharge while adjusting for covariates known to be associated with breastfeeding.

RESULTS

About 12% of women self-reported having depressive symptoms (EPDS score ≥ 10). Although only 7% of women (n = 1012) exclusively formula fed their babies, having depressive symptoms was associated with a 51% higher likelihood of exclusive formula feeding at hospital discharge. The association remains significant after adjustment for maternal age, gestational weeks, number of previous pregnancies, socioeconomic and partner status (p < 0.001) and all other covariates (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Having depressive symptoms was associated with increased likelihood of exclusive formula feeding. Routine measurement post-delivery and early management of maternal depressive symptoms may influence infant feeding practice and reduce prevalence of exclusive formula feeding at hospital discharge.

Determinants of Continued Breastfeeding at 12 and 24 Months: Results of an Australian Cohort Study

Breastfeeding to 12 months and beyond offers considerable health benefits to both infants and mothers. Despite these recognized benefits, relatively few women in high income countries breastfeed for 12 months, and rarely breastfeed to 24 months. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and determinants of continued breastfeeding to 12 and 24 months amongst a cohort of Australian women participating in the Adelaide-based Study of Mothers' and Infants' Life Events affecting oral health (SMILE). Duration of breastfeeding was known for 1450 participants and was derived from feeding related data collected at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between explanatory variables and continued breastfeeding to 12 and 24 months. In total, 31.8% of women breastfed to 12 months and 7.5% to 24 months. Women who were multiparous, university educated, had not returned to work by 12 months and whose partners preferred breastfeeding over bottle feeding were more likely to be breastfeeding at 12 months. While women who had introduced complementary foods before 17 weeks and formula at any age were less likely to be breastfeeding at 12 months. Mothers who were born in Asian countries other than India and China, had not returned to work by 12 months and had not introduced formula were more likely to be breastfeeding at 24 months. The majority of the determinants of continued breastfeeding are either modifiable or could be used to identify women who would benefit from additional breastfeeding support and encouragement.

Determinants of in-hospital feeding practices in Shiraz, Iran: Results of a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In-hospital feeding practices have been shown negatively to affect breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence and determinants of delayed breastfeeding, provision of traditional prelacteal foods, and use of infant formula in hospital.

METHODS

Between June 2014 and March 2015, 700 women were recruited from three public and two private maternity hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected at recruitment via face-to-face interviews and extracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association of feeding practices with a variety of maternal characteristics and hospital practices.

RESULTS

Only 32.2% of infants were breastfed within 1 hour of birth, with 40.8% receiving a traditional prelacteal food, and 34.9% given formula during their hospital stay. Compared with infants delivered vaginally, those delivered by cesarean were more likely to have experienced delayed breastfeeding and received formula, but less likely to have received traditional prelacteal foods. Infants who did not experience skin-to-skin contact were more likely to have experienced delayed breastfeeding and received traditional prelacteal foods and formula in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Although four out of the five hospitals were designated as Baby-Friendly, several of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding were not adhered to. The high rate of cesarean delivery was a barrier to the early initiation of breastfeeding and the majority of infants did not experience early skin-to-skin contact. Maternity care practices should be reviewed and include a clear breastfeeding care plan for women who undergo a cesarean delivery.

In-hospital formula supplementation and breastfeeding initiation in infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the rate of in-hospital supplementation as it relates to early breastfeeding (BF) and early formula feeding (FF) and its effects on BF (exclusive and partial) at the time of discharge for infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort investigation of 282 women with PGDM who intended to BF and their asymptomatic infants admitted to the newborn nursery for blood glucose monitoring and routine care. Early feeding was defined by the initial feeding if given within four hours of birth.

RESULTS

Of the 282 mother-infant dyads, for 134 (48%) early feeding was BF and for 148 (52%) early feeding was FF. Times from birth to BF and FF (median 1 hr, 0.3-6) were similar, while the time to first BF for those who FF and supplemented was longer (median 6 hr., 1-24). Ninety-seven infants (72%) who first BF also supplemented. Of these, 22 (23%) BF exclusively, 67 (69%) BF partially and 8 (8%) FF at discharge. One hundred seventeen (79%) who first FF also supplemented. Of these, 21 (18%) BF exclusively, 76 (65%) BF partially and 20 (17%) FF at discharge.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of the type of first feeding, the majority of infants born to women with PGDM require supplementation. Even when medically indicated, in-hospital supplementation is an obstacle, albeit not absolute, to exclusive BF at discharge. Parents should be reminded that occasional supplementation should not deter resumption and continuation of BF.

Formula Milk Supplementation on the Postnatal Ward: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Breastfeeding rates are low in the UK, where approximately one quarter of infants receive a breastmilk substitute (BMS) in the first week of life. We investigated the reasons for early BMS use in two large maternity units in the UK, in order to understand the reasons for the high rate of early BMS use in this setting. Data were collected through infant feeding records, as well as maternal and midwife surveys in 2016. During 2016, 28% of infants received a BMS supplement prior to discharge from the hospital maternity units with only 10% supplementation being clinically indicated. There was wide variation in BMS initiation rates between different midwives, which was associated with ward environment and midwife educational level. Specific management factors associated with non-clinically indicated initiation of BMS were the absence of skin-to-skin contact within an hour of delivery (p = 0.01), and no attendance at an antenatal breastfeeding discussion (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that risk of initiating a BMS during postnatal hospital stay is largely modifiable. Concordance with UNICEF Baby Friendly 10 steps, attention to specific features of the postnatal ward working environment, and the targeting of midwives and mothers with poor educational status may all lead to improved exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge.